Freedom from bondage : citizens commission on bonded and child labour first national convention

There had been various attempts to control and eliminate this shame. Attempts were in the form of constitutional guarantee, legislations, UN Conventions, judgements of courts and continued work of several non-governmental organisations and agencies of the United Nations. The scourge however, continued unabated, There had been demands, especially from various organisation's committed to the cause, for setting up of a National Commission by the Government. The plea had failed to achieve results with successive Governments. Those who felt strongly in this regard could sit back and wait till Government makes the first move. It was therefore, felt that they themselves should take the first step towards formation of a Citizens Commission on Bonded and Child Labour.

This COMMISSION is FIRST AN EXPRESSION OF THE ANGUISH of millions of the most voiceless and defenceless citizens of free India. It is then the hope of all those committed to making their struggle against bonded labour and child labour, a people's movement. Finally, it is an appeal to all respon sible sections of society to join in this effort towards wiping out the greatest shame of a nation that takes great pride in its constitu tional guarantees of fundamental rights, especially the right to life and liberty which includes a life of dignity and equality.